Association Between Ischemic and Bleeding Risk Scores and the Use of New P2Y 12 Inhibitors in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) guidelines recommend the use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel and ticagrelor) over clopidogrel in patients with moderate-to-high ischemic risk, unless they have an increased bleeding risk. The aim of our study was to assess the GRACE risk score and the CRUSADE bleeding risk score relative to prescription of newer P2Y12 inhibitors at discharge in ACS patients.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a multicenter ACS registry; 3515 consecutive patients were included. The association between risk scores and prescription of newer P2Y12 inhibitors was assessed by binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 1021 patients (29%) were treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor. On multivariate analyses, both GRACE (OR per 10 points, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.86-0.92; P < .001) and CRUSADE (OR per 10 points, 0.96; 95%CI, 0.94-0.98; P < .001) risk scores were inversely associated with the use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors. Moreover, other factors not included in these scores (revascularization approach, in-hospital stent thrombosis, major bleeding, and concomitant indication for anticoagulation therapy) also predicted the use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS: New P2Y12 inhibitors were more frequently prescribed among ACS patients with lower CRUSADE bleeding risk. However, an ischemic risk paradox was found, with higher use of these agents in patients with lower ischemic risk based on GRACE risk score estimates. These results underscore the importance of risk stratification to safely deliver optimal therapies.